New decks are an excellent addition to any home, providing one of the largest returns on investment of any home improvement project,with a typical ROI averaging around 80%. In addition to increasing the value of your home, a new deck also adds outdoor entertainment space that your buyers can enjoy throughout a good portion of the year. If you're wonderinghow to maximize profits when rehabbing properties, then, you'll definitely want to take these factors into consideration when planning for a new deck.​What Type of Material?

One of the first decisions you'll probably want to make is what type of material you want to use for the new deck. The two most popular options are wood and composite material. Which choice is best for you will vary based on your budget for the project and the amount of maintenance you anticipate your buyers being comfortable with when it comes to a deck.

Generally, wood costs less per square foot (depending on the specific type of wood) than composite decking materials. However, it also requires more maintenance in terms of regular repair, staining, sanding, and sealing. For a flip, wood is probably the best option, since you can let the buyers worry about the maintenance.

How Much Space Do You Need?

Another important consideration to keep in mind when planning your new deck is how large it will need to be to suit your target buyer's needs. This is where you'll want to approximate how many people will be using the deck on a regular basis. Generally, it's recommended that you have about 25 square feet of space per person on an outdoor deck or patio. Therefore, if you plan on selling to a five-person household, you'll want to have a deck that's at least 125 square feet to accommodate that many people comfortably.

Where Will it Be Located?

Don't forget to consider the location and orientation of the deck as well. Ideally, you'll want to have your deck facing the best view in the yard while also making sure you have areas of both sun and shade. If the deck will be exposed to the sun for the majority of the day due to the orientation of the home, for example, you might want to consider having a shaded pergola built over a portion of the deck to provide shade on sunny days.

When determining location, also be sure to consider the entry points of the deck from the home. Will you add a set of French doors leading out to the deck from your family room? Master bedroom? Both?

How Many Levels?

Last but not least, determine whether you'll want a single-tier deck or a multi-level one. Which option is best will depend on the architecture of the home in addition to the slope of the land. For example, if you have purchased a split-level home to flip and sell, then a two-tier deck might make the most sense. Keep in mind, however, that if you opt for a two-tier deck, you'll also need to spend more on additional sets of stairs and railings. Still, a multi-tier deck can be a great way to maximize outdoor living and entertaining space, appeal to a wide audience of prospective buyers, and boost the resale value of the home.

As you can see, there's a lot to consider when planning a new deck addition for any home--especially if you're looking to flip a home. If you're in need of any professional assistance when it comes to planning for the new deck, feel free to contact us today and we'd be happy to assist you.

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